TATA Infotech has tied up with the University of Mumbai to offer a series of career-oriented courses in the field of information technology that will be focused on emerging market trends in the industry.

Tata Infotech Education Services Division and University of Mumbai will offer joint certification for these courses leading to academic credits for students.

The courses offered cover areas such as software development, hardware and network support, IT-enabled services with specialisations in banking, telecom, and insurance verticals. "The rationale behind this move is to build a three way relationship between academia, Tata Infotech and corporates in order to provide courses that are relevant to the business needs of the industry," said Mr Rahul Thapan, Head - Education Services Division.

So far, four courses have been approved by the university including the three-year G Tech course, which costs Rs 67,000 and has a software market orientation; G Tech Networking costing Rs 30,000; CReME for call centres which costs Rs 18,000 and Wings for basic IT training with a fee of Rs 2,000. "Up to 20 per cent of the students who are SC/ST will be eligible for 50 per cent discount on course fees," said Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai.

'' As of now, these courses are only being offered as certificates and not degrees by the university. Eventually, the university may consider converting them into degree courses but there are no such plans as of now,'' he added.

The courses will be offered at a chain of Continuing Education to be opened in selected colleges and University Department, said Dr Sudhir Panse, Director, Board of College & University Development, University of Mumbai.